Park home living offers a wonderful downsizing opportunity. The idea is to free up space and equity tied up in a large family home to enjoy your retirement comfortably. The new retirement lifestyle also comes with other benefits, such as lower running costs, like-minded neighbours and security, give you peace of mind. However, a residential park home purchase is not quite the same as buying a traditional house. So, Red Deer Village in Glasgow, Scotland, have created a list of our top tips you should bear in mind before, during and after moving into your new park home.

Financial Awareness

Remember to factor in that there are some differences in ongoing costs between a residential park home and a bricks and mortar property. There is no stamp duty to pay when buying a park home, council tax at Red Deer Village is Band A (cheapest band) and residents often find they save on their gas and electricity bills compared to their previous property. However, bear in mind the monthly pitch fee which goes towards general maintenance and upkeep of communal areas of the park, and any ongoing maintenance costs (painting home exterior). As long as you’ve incorporated these into your ongoing budget, there’ll be no unexpected costs at a later date.

Read the Ts & Cs

We know reading terms and conditions can be boring, but their purpose is to protect you and your right of tenure. You can find a copy of the Mobile Homes Act Agreement 1983, Red Deer Village’s site license and a copy of the park rules on our website. And if you need any help to understand any park home specific terms you haven’t heard of before, feel free to ask – it’s what we do.

We also advise when moving into your new residential park home to read all warranty information carefully and register your appliance warranties. This helps you know what’s covered and keep up with your maintenance requirements.

Talk to Residents

The best way to get a feel for any residential over 50’s park is to talk to the residents. Resident testimonials are often a key factor in encouraging others to take up the park home living lifestyle, as they offer their unbiased, unfiltered opinion. Plus, your new neighbours can help you settle in and make you feel right at home.

Measure for Space

Downsizing is a key factor for those considering a residential park home. This often leads to a big clear out. A top tip for moving into your new park home is to measure for space. This will help you decide what to bring with you on your move, and what to leave behind.

Moving Into Your New Park Home

When retirement living becomes your next big decision, it’s helpful to know where to start. Other things to consider may include finding out what’s in the local area or which activities on and off the park other residents take part in. If you’re carrying out your research, or have already decided retirement park home living is for you, check out our residential park homes for sale in our over 50’s community in Glasgow. Or, contact a member of our team to find out more!